Biomedical subjects

Yechiel Shai

Publications and source records attributed to Yechiel Shai.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

HIV-1 fusion peptide targets the TCR and inhibits antigen-specific T cell activation.

The fusion peptide (FP) in the N terminus of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp41, functions together with other gp41 domains to fuse the virion with the host cell membrane. We now report that FP colocalizes with CD4 and TCR molecules, coprecipitates with the TCR, and inhibits antigen-specific T cell proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in vitro. These effects are specific: T cell activation by PMA/ionomycin or mitogenic antibodies is not affected by FPs, and FPs do not interfere with antigen-presenting cell function. In vivo, FPs inhibit the activation of arthritogenic T cells in the autoimmune disease model of adjuvant arthritis and reduce the disease-associated IFN-gamma response. Hence, FPs might play 2 roles in HIV infection: mediating membrane fusion while downregulating T cell responses to itself that could block infection. Disassociated from HIV, however, the FP molecule provides a novel reagent for downregulating undesirable immune responses, exemplified here by adjuvant arthritis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The identification of a minimal dimerization motif QXXS that enables homo- and hetero-association of transmembrane helices in vivo.

Assembly of transmembrane (TM) domains is a critical step in the function of membrane proteins, and therefore, determining the amino acid motifs that mediate this process is important. Studies along this line have shown that the GXXXG motif is involved in TM assembly. In this study we characterized the minimal dimerization motif in the bacterial Tar-1 homodimer TM domain, which does not contain a GXXXG sequence. We found that a short polar motif QXXS is sufficient to induce stable TM-TM interactions. Statistical analysis revealed that this motif appears to be significantly over-represented in a bacterial TM data base compared with its theoretical expectancy, suggesting a general role for this motif in TM assembly. A truncated short TM peptide (9 residues) that contains the QXXS motif interacted slightly with the wild-type Tar-1. However, the same short TM peptide regained wild-type-like activity when conjugated to an octanoyl aliphatic moiety. Biophysical studies indicated that this modification compensated for the missing hydrophobicity, stabilized alpha-helical structure, and enabled insertion of the peptide into the membrane core. These findings serve as direct evidence that even a short peptide containing a minimal recognition motif is sufficient to inhibit the proper assembly of TM domains. Interestingly, electron microscopy revealed that above the critical micellar concentration, the TM lipopeptide forms a network of nanofibers, which can serve for the slow release of the active lipopeptide.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2005

The role of the N-terminal heptad repeat of HIV-1 in the actual lipid mixing step as revealed by its substitution with distant coiled coils.

The gp41 glycoprotein of HIV-1 is considered to be responsible for the actual fusion process between the virus and the host membranes. According to a prevailing model, gp41 trimer organization, directed by the N-terminal coiled-coil region (NHR), is essential for steps involved in the actual merging of viral and cellular membranes. This study addresses a major question: Is the specific sequence of the NHR obligatory for the fusion process, or can it be replaced by distant coiled coils that form different oligomeric states in solution? For this purpose we synthesized three known GCN4 coiled-coil mutants that oligomerize in solution into either dimers, trimers, or tetramers. These peptides were chemically ligated to the fusion peptide thereby creating three chimera peptides with different oligomeric tendencies in solution. These peptides were investigated, together with the 70-mer wild-type peptide (N70), regarding their structure in solution and membrane by using circular dichroism (CD) and FTIR spectroscopies, their ability to induce vesicle fusion, and their ability to bind phospholipid membranes by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Our results suggest that local assembly of fusion peptides, facilitated by coiled-coil oligomers, increases lipid mixing ability, probably by facilitating stronger binding of the fusion peptides to the opposing membrane as revealed by SPR. However, N70 is significantly more active than the other chimeras. Overall, the data indicate a correlation between the distinct conformation of N70 in solution and in membranes and its enhanced lipid mixing relative to the GCN4 chimeras.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

D-enantiomer peptide of the TCRalpha transmembrane domain inhibits T-cell activation in vitro and in vivo.

T cell activation requires the cross-talk between the CD3-signaling complex and the T cell receptor (TCR). A synthetic peptide coding for the TCRalpha transmembrane domain (CP) binds CD3 molecules, interferes with the CD3/TCR cross-talk, and inhibits T cell activation. Intermolecular interactions are sterically constrained; accordingly no sequence-specific interactions are thought to occur between D- and L-stereoisomers. This argument was recently challenged when applied to intra-membrane protein assembly. In this paper we studied the ability of a D-stereoisomer of CP (D-CP) to inhibit T cell activation. L-CP and D-CP co-localized with the TCR in the membrane and inhibited T cell activation in a sequence-specific manner. In vivo, both L-CP and D-CP inhibited adjuvant arthritis. In molecular terms, these results suggest the occurrence of structural reorientation that facilitates native-like interactions between D-CP and CD3 within the membrane. In clinical terms, our results demonstrate that D-stereoisomers retain the therapeutic properties of their L-stereoisomers, while they benefit from an increased resistance to degradation.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A molecular mechanism for lipopolysaccharide protection of Gram-negative bacteria from antimicrobial peptides.

Cationic antimicrobial peptides serve as the first chemical barrier between all organisms and microbes. One of their main targets is the cytoplasmic membrane of the microorganisms. However, it is not yet clear why some peptides are active against one particular bacterial strain but not against others. Recent studies have suggested that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) outer membrane is the first protective layer that actually controls peptide binding and insertion into Gram-negative bacteria. In order to shed light on these interactions, we synthesized and investigated a 12-mer amphipathic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptide (K(5)L(7)) and its diastereomer (4D-K(5)L(7)) (containing four d-amino acids). Interestingly, although both peptides strongly bind LPS bilayers and depolarize bacterial cytoplasmic membranes, only the diastereomer kills Gram-negative bacteria. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared, CD, and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopies revealed that only the diastereomer penetrates the LPS layer. In contrast, K(5)L(7) binds cooperatively to the polysaccharide chain and the outer phosphate groups. As a result, the self-associated K(5)L(7) is unable to traverse through the tightly packed LPS molecules, revealed by epifluorescence studies with LPS giant unilamellar vesicles. The difference in the peptides' modes of binding is further demonstrated by the ability of the diastereomer to induce LPS miscellization, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of the protection of bacteria by LPS, this study presents a potential strategy to overcome resistance by LPS, and it should help in the design of antimicrobial peptides for future therapeutic purposes.

Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides↗

PubMed2005

Arginine mutations within a transmembrane domain of Tar, an Escherichia coli aspartate receptor, can drive homodimer dissociation and heterodimer association in vivo.

The interactions between the TM (transmembrane) domains of many membrane proteins are important for their proper functioning. Mutations of residues into positively charged ones within TM domains were reported to be involved in many genetic diseases, possibly because these mutations affect the self- and/or hetero-assembly of the corresponding proteins. To our knowledge, despite significant progress in understanding the role of various amino acids in TM-TM interactions in vivo, the direct effect of positively charged residues on these interactions has not been studied. To address this issue, we employed the N-terminal TM domain of the aspartate receptor (Tar-1) as a dimerization model system. We expressed within the ToxR TM assembly system several Tar-1 constructs that dimerize via polar- or non-polar amino acid motifs, and mutated these by replacement with a single arginine residue. Our results have revealed that a mutation in each of the motifs significantly reduced the ability of the TMs to dimerize. Furthermore, a Tar-1 construct that contained two arginine residues was unable to correctly integrate itself into the membrane. Nevertheless, an exogenous synthetic Tar-1 peptide containing these two arginine residues was able to inhibit in vivo the marked dimerization of a mutant Tar-1 construct that contained two glutamate residues at similar positions. This indicates that hetero-assembly of TM domains can be mediated by the interaction of two oppositely charged residues, probably by formation of ion pairs. This study broadens our knowledge regarding the effect of positively charged residues on TM-TM interactions in vivo, and provides a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit uncontrolled dimerization of TM domains caused by mutations of polar amino acids.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2004

Hetero-assembly between all-L- and all-D-amino acid transmembrane domains: forces involved and implication for inactivation of membrane proteins.

Protein-protein interactions within the membrane, partially or fully mediated by transmembrane (TM) domains, are involved in many vital cellular processes. Since the unique feature of the membrane environment enables protein-protein assembly that otherwise is not energetically favored in solution, the structural restrictions involved in the assembly of soluble proteins are not necessarily valid for the assembly of TM domains. Here we used the N-terminal TM domain (Tar-1) of the Escherichia coli aspartate receptor as a model system for examining the stereospecificity of TM-TM interactions in vitro and in vivo in isolated systems, and in the context of the full receptor. For this propose, we synthesized Tar-1 all-l and all-d amino acid TM peptides, a mutant TM peptide and an unrelated TM peptide. The data revealed: (i) Tar-1 all-d specifically associated with Tar-1 all-l within a model lipid membrane, as determined by using fluorescence energy transfer experiments; (ii) Tar-1 all-l and all-d, but not the control peptides, demonstrated a dose-dependant dominant negative effect on the Tar-1 TM homodimerization in the bacterial ToxR assembly system, suggesting a wild-type-like interaction; and most interestingly, (iii) both Tar-1 all-l and all-d showed a remarkable ability to inhibit the chemotaxis response of the full-length receptor, in vivo. Peptide binding to the bacteria was confirmed through confocal imaging, and Western blotting confirmed that ToxR Tar-1 chimera protein levels are not affected by the presence of the exogenous peptides. These findings present the first evidence that an all-d TM domain peptide acts in vivo similarly to its parental all-l peptide and suggest that the dimerization of the TM domains is mainly mediated by side-chain interactions, rather than geometrically fitted conformations. In addition, the study provides a new approach for modifying the function of membrane proteins by proteolysis-free peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Inhibition of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated cell fusion by a DL-amino acid-containing fusion peptide: possible recognition of the fusion complex.

The N-terminal fusion peptide (FP) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is a potent inhibitor of cell-cell fusion, possibly because of its ability to recognize the corresponding segments inside the fusion complex within the membrane. Here we show that a fusion peptide in which the highly conserved Ile(4), Phe(8), Phe(11), and Ala(14) were replaced by their d-enantiomers (IFFA) is a potent inhibitor of cell-cell fusion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that despite these drastic modifications, the peptide preserved most of its structure within the membrane. Fluorescence energy transfer studies demonstrated that the diastereomeric peptide interacted with the wild type FP, suggesting this segment as the target site for inhibition of membrane fusion. This is further supported by the similar localization of the wild type and IFFA FPs to microdomains in T cells and the preferred partitioning into ordered regions within sphingomyelin/phosphatidyl-choline/cholesterol giant vesicles. These studies provide insight into the mechanism of molecular recognition within the membrane milieu and may serve in designing novel HIV entry inhibitors.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2004

Suppression of human prostate tumor growth in mice by a cytolytic D-, L-amino Acid Peptide: membrane lysis, increased necrosis, and inhibition of prostate-specific antigen secretion.

Gene-encoded host defense peptides are used as part of the innate immunity, and many of them act by directly lysing the cell membrane of the pathogen. A few of these peptides showed anticancer activity in vitro but could not be used in vivo because of their inactivation by serum. We designed a 15-amino acid peptide, composed of D- and L-amino acids (diastereomer), which targets both androgen-independent and androgen-dependent human prostate carcinoma cell lines (CL1, 22RV1, and LNCaP). Most importantly, we observed a complete arrest of growth in CL1 and 22RV1 xenografts treated intratumorally with the diastereomer. This was also accompanied by a lowering of prostate-specific antigen serum levels secreted by the 22RV1 xenograft. Furthermore, the diastereomer synergized with conventional chemotherapeutics. In contrast, the parental all l-amino acids peptide was highly active only in vitro and could not discriminate between tumor and nontumor cells. Fluorescent confocal microscopy, histopathologic examination, and cell permeability studies (depolarization of transmembrane potential and release of an encapsulated dye) suggest a necrotic mechanism of killing, after a threshold concentration of peptide has been reached. Its destructive killing effect and the simple sequence of the diastereomer make it an attractive chemotherapeutic candidate possessing a new mode of action, with potential to be developed additionally for the treatment of prostate carcinoma.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2004

The stability of the intact envelope glycoproteins is a major determinant of sensitivity of HIV/SIV to peptidic fusion inhibitors.

C-peptides derived from the HIV envelope glycoprotein transmembrane subunit gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat (C-HR) region are potent HIV fusion inhibitors. These peptides interact with the gp41 N-terminal heptad repeat (N-HR) region and block the gp41 six-helix bundle formation that is required for fusion. However, the parameters that govern this inhibition have yet to be elucidated. We address this issue by comparing the ability of C34, derived from HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV gp41, to inhibit HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV envelope-mediated fusion and the ability of these peptides to form stable six-helix bundles with N36 peptides derived from gp41 of these three viruses. The ability to form six-helix bundles was examined by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and HIV/SIV Env-mediated membrane fusion was monitored by a dye transfer assay. HIV-1 N36 formed stable helix bundles with HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV C34, which all inhibited HIV-1 Env-mediated fusion at IC(50)<10nM. The three C34 peptides were poor inhibitors of HIV-2 and SIV fusion (IC(50)>100nM), although HIV-2 and SIV N36 formed stable helix bundles with SIV C34. Priming experiments with sCD4 indicate that, in contrast to HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV Env do not expose their N-HR region to SIV C34 following CD4 binding, but rapidly proceed to co-receptor engagement and six-helix bundle formation resulting in fusion. Our results suggest that several factors, including six-helix bundle stability and the ability of CD4 to destabilize the envelope glycoprotein, serve as determinants of sensitivity to entry inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Effect of drastic sequence alteration and D-amino acid incorporation on the membrane binding behavior of lytic peptides.

The amphipathic alpha-helix is a common motif found in many cell lytic peptides including antimicrobial peptides. We have recently shown that significantly altering the amphipathic structure of a lytic peptide by reshuffling its sequence and/or replacing a few l-amino acids with their D-enantiomers did not significantly affect the antimicrobial activity of the peptides nor their ability to bind and permeate negatively charged (PE/PG) membranes. However, a pronounced effect was observed regarding their hemolytic activity and their ability to bind and permeate zwitterionic (PC/Cho) membranes. To shed light on these findings, here we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with mono- and bilayer membranes. We found that the L-amino acid (aa) peptides bound 10-25-fold stronger to PC/Cho bilayers compared with monolayers, whereas the diastereomers bound similarly to both membranes. A two-state reaction model analysis of the data indicated that this difference is due to the insertion of the L-aa peptides into the PC/Cho bilayers, whereas the diastereomers are surface-localized. In contrast, only an approximately 2-fold difference was found with negatively charged membranes. Changes in the amphipathicity markedly affected only the insertion of the L-aa peptides into PC/Cho bilayers. Furthermore, whereas the all-L-aa peptides bound similarly to the PC/Cho and PE/PG membranes, the diastereomers bound approximately 100-fold better to PE/PG compared with PC/Cho membranes, and selectivity was determined only in the first binding step. The effect of the peptides on the lipid order determined by using ATR-FTIR studies supported these findings. Besides shedding light on the mode of action of these peptides, the present study demonstrates SPR as a powerful tool to differentiate between non-cell-selective compared with bacteria-selective peptides, based on differences in their membrane binding behavior.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Structural adaptation of the glycophorin A transmembrane homodimer to D-amino acid modifications.

Protein-protein recognition is an essential process in life. The chemistry of these kind of interactions is predominantly stereospecific (i.e. receptor-ligand, antibody-hapten binding). Here, we investigated whether the hydrophobic nature of the membrane affects this stereospecificity. To this end, we synthesized a diastereomer analogue (2D-GPA) of the glycophorin A transmembrane helix, with two l-valine residues replaced by their d-enantiomer. This ensures a disruption of the secondary structure. We investigated the ability of the diastereomer peptide to recognize the GPA chimera in the ToxR homodimer reporting system, in vivo. The peptide demonstrated a dose-dependent dominant negative effect on the GPA transmembrane in the bacterial ToxR system, suggesting a wild-type like interaction. This result was corroborated in vitro by fluorescence energy transfer between 2D-GPA and all-l GPA. Peptide binding to the bacteria was confirmed through confocal imaging, and Western blot confirmed that ToxR GPA receptor levels are not affected by the presence of the exogenous peptide. In order to understand the structural basis for heterodimer formation, homodimer and heterodimer structures, based on the NMR 3D structure of GPA, were subjected to a molecular dynamics simulation. The resulting heterodimer structure maintained most of the original inter-helical interactions, and its structure is similar to that of the homodimer. We postulate that the need to satisfy all H-bonds can compensate for the structural strain induced by the presence of the d-amino acid residues.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2004

The composition rather than position of polar residues (QxxS) drives aspartate receptor transmembrane domain dimerization in vivo.

Transmembrane (TM) helix association is an important process affecting the function of many integral membrane proteins. Consequently, aberrations in this process are associated with diseases. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the factors that control this oligomerization process in the membrane milieu is limited at best. Previous studies have shown a role for polar residues in the assembly of synthetic peptides in vitro and the association of de novo-designed TM helices in vivo. Here we examined, for the first time, the involvement of polar residues in the dimerization of a biological TM domain in its natural environment. We analyzed both the involvement of polar residues in the dimerization process and whether their influence is position-dependent. For this purpose, we used the TM domain of the Escherichia coli aspartate receptor (Tar) and 10 single and double mutants. Polar to nonpolar mutations in the sequence demonstrated the role of the QxxS motif in the dimerization of the Tar TM domain. Moreover, creating a GxxxG motif, instead of the polar motif, almost completely abolished dimerization. Swapping positions between two wild-type polar residues did not affect dimerization, implying a similar contribution from both positions. Interestingly, mutants that contain two identical strong polar residues, EE and QQ, demonstrated a substantially higher level of dimerization than a QE mutant, although all three TM domains contain two strong polar residues. This result suggests that, in addition to the polarity of the residues, the formation of symmetric bonds also plays a role in dimer stability. The results of this study may facilitate a rational modulation of membrane protein function for therapeutic purposes.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2004

Two motifs within a transmembrane domain, one for homodimerization and the other for heterodimerization.

Protein assembly is a critical process involved in a wide range of cellular events and occurs through extracellular and/or transmembrane domains (TMs). Previous studies demonstrated that a GXXXG motif is crucial for homodimer formation. Here we selected the TMs of ErbB1 and ErbB2 as a model since these receptors function both as homodimers and as heterodimers. Both TMs contain two GXXXG-like motifs located at the C and N termini. The C-terminal motifs were implicated previously in homodimer formation, but the role of the N-terminal motifs was not clear. We used the ToxR system and expressed the TMs of both ErbB1 and ErbB2 containing only the N-terminal GXXXG motifs. The data revealed that the ErbB2 but not the ErbB1 construct formed homodimers. Importantly, a synthetic ErbB1 TM peptide was able to form a heterodimer with ErbB2, by displacing the ErbB2 TM homodimer. The specificity of the interaction was demonstrated by using three controls: (i) Two single mutations within the GXXXG-like motif of the ErbB1 peptide reduced or preserved its activity, in agreement with similar mutations in glycophorin A. (ii) A TM peptide of the bacterial Tar receptor did not assemble with the ErbB2 construct. (iii) The ErbB1 peptide had no effect on the dimerization of a construct containing the TM-1 domain of the Tar receptor. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that all the peptides localized on the membrane. Furthermore, incubation with the peptides had no effect on bacterial growth and protein expression levels. Our results suggest that the N-terminal GXXXG-like motif of the ErbB1 TM plays a role in heterodimerization with the ErbB2 transmembrane domain. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a transmembrane domain with two distinct recognition motifs, one for homodimerization and the other for heterodimerization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

The C- and the N-terminal regions of glycoprotein 41 ectodomain fuse membranes enriched and not enriched with cholesterol, respectively.

To infect target cells, HIV-1 employs a virally encoded transmembrane protein (gp41) to fuse its viral envelope with the target cell plasma membrane. We describe the gp41 ectodomain as comprised of N- and C-terminal subdomains, each containing a heptad repeat as well as a fusogenic region, whose organization is mirrored by the intervening loop region. Recent evidence indicates that the gp41 directed fusion reaction proceeds to initial pore formation prior to gp41 folding into its low energy hairpin conformation. This implies that exposed regions of the gp41 ectodomain are responsible for the bulk of the fusion work, probably through direct protein-membrane interactions. Prevalent fusion models contend that the gp41 ectodomain initially interacts with the target cell surface through its highly hydrophobic N terminus, which is believed to insert into the target membrane, thereby linking the virus to the target cell. This arrangement allows the N-terminal subdomain to interact with the target cell surface, whereas the C-terminal subdomain remains proximal to the virion, allowing interaction with the viral envelope. The composition of the viral envelope and the target cell surface differ due to the virus budding from raft microdomains. We show here that constructs corresponding to the C-terminal subdomain specifically destabilize ordered and cholesterol rich membranes (33 molar %), whereas the N-terminal subdomain is more effective in fusing both unordered cholesterol-free membranes and those containing lower amounts of cholesterol (10 molar %). Moreover we show that, in the context of the C-terminal subdomain, the heptad repeat contributes helical structure, which may describe the enhanced inhibitory effect of the C-terminal subdomain relative to the C-terminal heptad repeat (C34) alone. Our results are discussed in light of recent findings that showcase the role of exposed gp41 regions in effecting membrane fusion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

A new group of antifungal and antibacterial lipopeptides derived from non-membrane active peptides conjugated to palmitic acid.

We report on the synthesis, biological function, and a plausible mode of action of a new group of lipopeptides with potent antifungal and antibacterial activities. These lipopeptides are derived from positively charged peptides containing d- and l-amino acids (diastereomers) that are palmitoylated (PA) at their N terminus. The peptides investigated have the sequence K(4)X(7)W, where X designates Gly, Ala, Val, or Leu (designated d-X peptides). The data revealed that PA-d-G and PA-d-A gained potent antibacterial and antifungal activity despite the fact that both parental peptides were completely devoid of any activity toward microorganisms and model phospholipid membranes. In contrast, PA-d-L lost the potent antibacterial activity of the parental peptide but gained and preserved partial antifungal activity. Interestingly, both d-V and its palmitoylated analog were inactive toward bacteria, and only the palmitoylated peptide was highly potent toward yeast. Both PA-d-L and PA-d-V lipopeptides were also endowed with hemolytic activity. Mode of action studies were performed by using tryptophan fluorescence and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopy as well as transmembrane depolarization assays with bacteria and fungi. The data suggest that the lipopeptides act by increasing the permeability of the cell membrane and that differences in their potency and target specificity are the result of differences in their oligomeric state and ability to dissociate and insert into the cytoplasmic membrane. These results provide insight regarding a new approach of modulating hydrophobicity and the self-assembly of non-membrane interacting peptides in order to endow them with both antibacterial and antifungal activities urgently needed to combat bacterial and fungal infections.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

In vitro activity and potency of an intravenously injected antimicrobial peptide and its DL amino acid analog in mice infected with bacteria.

We report that intravenous injection (3 mg/kg of body weight twice daily) of a diastereomer (containing 33% D amino acids) of an antimicrobial peptide, K6L9 (LKLLKKLLKKLLKLL-NH2), but not the all-L-amino-acid parental peptide, cures neutropenic mice infected with gentamicin-sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa and gentamicin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. Various biophysical experiments suggest a membranolytic-like effect.

Acinetobacter Infections↗

PubMed2003

Bestowing antifungal and antibacterial activities by lipophilic acid conjugation to D,L-amino acid-containing antimicrobial peptides: a plausible mode of action.

The dramatically increased frequency of opportunistic fungal infections has prompted research to diversify the arsenal of antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptides constitute a promising family for future antibiotics with a new mode of action. However, only a few are effective against fungal pathogens because of their ability to self-assemble. Recently, we showed that the conjugation of fatty acids to the potent antibacterial peptide magainin endowed it with antifungal activity concomitant with an increase in its oligomeric state in solution. To investigate whether a high potency of the parental peptide is prerequisite for antifungal activity, we conjugated undecanoic acid (UA) and palmitic acid (PA) to inactive diastereomers of magainin containing four d-amino acids ([D]-4-magainin), as well as to a weakly active diastereomeric lytic peptide containing Lys and Leu ([D]-K(5)L(7)). All lipopeptides gained potent activity toward Cryptococcus neoformans. Most importantly, [D]-K(5)L(7)-UA was highly potent against all microorganisms tested, including bacteria, yeast, and opportunistic fungi. All lipopeptides increased the permeability of Escherichia coli spheroplasts and intact C. neoformans, as well as their corresponding membranes, phosphatidylethanol (PE)/phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC)/PE/phosphatidylinositol (PI)/ergosterol, respectively. The extent of membrane-permeating activity correlated with their biological function, suggesting that the plasma membrane was one of their major targets. Circular dichroism (CD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that their mode of oligomerization in solution, structure, and organization in membranes have important roles regarding their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Together with the advantage of using diastereomers versus all l-amino acid peptides, this study paves the way to the design of a new group of potent antifungal peptides urgently needed to combat opportunistic fungal infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗